| Reporting directly to the Group Head of Strategy and Innovation, we are currently searching for a newly created Group Strategy and Innovation position to support key decision makers across the Group. We are seeking to recruit an exceptional candidate to investigate ways to accelerate growth by developing new technology-led service offerings and key innovation projects. The incumbent will also be evaluating potential M&A and / or partnership opportunities and will independently drive / execute innovation projects. You will gain exposure to portfolio management and monitor the ongoing performance of implemented innovation programmes too, and will become an expert on all relevant technology market trends, keeping on top of competitor activity. The business development team is small and dynamic and this person will be required to build, develop and sustain excellent relationships with external customers and their supply chains, as well as optimising and identifying synergies across geographical boundaries to deliver the Group's proposition. The successful candidate is likely to have around 2 – 5 years' experience post-ACA qualification in a top professional services firm if coming from a TS background, or gained c. 3 – 4 years' execution experience in either a top tier corporate finance boutique or 'bulge bracket' investment bank. To be successful, you will need to be excellent at evaluating complex business models and making recommendations to senior decision makers. Experience evaluating technology-based innovation solutions, including potential providers, will also be crucial in this hire. Key areas of interest include big data, data analytics, blockchain, AI, Machine Learning and Internet of Things. You will be a strategic thinker, someone of sound judgement, bring the right level of confidence and can run with projects independently. You will need to be persuasive but have the highest levels of integrity with the ability to influence at a variety of levels. To apply for this role, please use the Apply button, or alternatively, email your CV to Claire Jefferies: cjefferies@walkerhamill.com or Mark Richards: mrichards@walkerhamill.com quoting reference CJ51073. Please note that due to the expected volume of applications we will only be able to respond to those candidates whose experience matches the requirements of our client. If you have not heard from us within the next 5 days, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Walker Hamill has been a specialist finance and strategy recruiter for 30 years. We have an extensive client group, including major multinational listed organisations, private equity backed businesses and privately owned companies. We recruit across all sectors and have particularly strong client relationships in media, retail, pharma/biotech, technology, property/real estate, leisure and business services. Headquartered in London, we have additional offices in continental Europe. For more information, please see www.walkerhamill.com. | 
